On the 2nd December 2005 the execution of Van Tuong Nguyen has brought a halt to most Australians at 9am who remind silent for one minute contemplating the death of Mr. Nguyen. As sympathy for Nguyen sweeps across the nation most people attended church services, prays and vigils to mark this occasion.
The Daily Telegraph reported Nguyen spent his final night praying with a priest where Lex Lasry QC says: “He loves Psalm 23” which he sought for strength and courage. Although Mr. Lasry said Nguyen is facing it with ‘strength and optimism’ his mother body had ‘crumpled up with tears flowing from her eyes.’
Nguyen carrying almost 400 gram of heroin was arrested three years ago justifying it to help pay his twin brother Khoa’s debt. It is reported within the last 12 months he renew his Catholic faith which has given him and his friend great courage.
The Daily Telegraph reported that Nguyen body is likely to be return to Melbourne on Sunday and his funeral will be held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral at the end of the week.
The Australian reports that long-time family friend Fr Peter Hansen will preside over the bilingual requiem mass at Melbourne's St Patrick's Catholic Cathedral.
The AAP has reported Melbourne’s St Ignatius Catholic Church (where Nguyen went to primary school) bell rang 25 times to mark every year of his life. The Nguyens have requested reporters and news crews to stay away from a Catholic Church service held later today in Singapore.
Inside the church tears were overflowing as the service was conducted by Father Peter Norden the parish priest. As the bells rang out wailing and sobbing by attendances could be heard. It seems grief had grip the entire assembly where it just became overwhelming for some. For Hoang Vo a friend of Mr. Nguyen he said: “I'm just very sad, that it had to come to this, very sad. I couldn't sleep because no-one can really wake up in the morning to face that. It's just too much.”
Across the capital cities the death of Nguyen was marked with a quiet reflection from some people. The AAP reported in: “Sydney, silence descended on the heart of the city, in Canberra and Wellington a silent vigil and protest was held outside the Singapore High Commission.”
Nguyen’s lawyer Julian McMahon said: “Kim Nguyen was in a prayer service supported by friends as her son spent his final moments alive. She's come from a prayer service ... which went for half an hour before and after 6am Singapore time (when Nguyen was hanged) and everyone who was there ... loved it immensely." The Singaporean government only allowed limited contact to be made between Nguyen and his mother where it ruled out a final embrace.
